Slime moulds?

[alge]

These were on large beech butt sections adorning a carpark in a local woods. Quite surprising considering the lack of rain and really hot days we have been experiencing over the last the weeks in my corner of the country ( not intended to rub it in ). Most of the mushroom type fungi specimens i have been finding are stunted and cracked due to the lack of moisture over the last two weeks.

I'm assuming they are forms of slime mould, i have no experience or references to offer any attempt at i'd sorry but it would be great to know your thoughts.






also any advise on some recommended literature would be great.

many thanks alex

[cybershot]

Fuligo septica breaks down from its bright yellow plasmodium stage to a dingy brown-grey spore mass.

[alge]

so your suggesting i have the same type in three stages. cool i'll file them as that then thank you cybershot.

Ha i've just googled your suggestion, and the common name was quite amusingly apt.

[cybershot]

Originally Posted by alge

so your suggesting i have the same type in three stages. cool i'll file them as that then thank you cybershot.

Ha i've just googled your suggestion, and the common name was quite amusingly apt.

A Myxomycete known in Britain by it's Common Name of Dog's Vomit slime mould. Also more prosaically called “Flowers of Tan,” from the frequent appearance of its yellow fruiting body in tan bark bits used for tanning hides.



I've certainly seen it in various stages looking very much like the images you posted.

[diggleken]

slightly off thread, apologies - I was reading some internet entries about this - is slime mould considered a fungus or not?
As with many other fungi things it seems there are differing learned opinions as to yes or no - what does anyone think on here?
Cheers
Ken

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by diggleken

....is slime mould considered a fungus or not?....what does anyone think on here?....

Hi Ken,

Currently, Slime moulds are classified within the Kingdom Protozoa, and are not, therefore, fungi.

I believe the defining factor which differentiates slime moulds from true fungi is the fact that during the plasmodium stage, slime moulds are able to physically move around, in order to find and ingest food. (True fungi absorb their food).

Although they are still commonly referred to as Myxomycetes, ( a relic of when they were thought to be fungi), to be correct, they should be called Myxostelida, (a phylum of the Kingdom Protozoa).

PS: I only know this because I've recently been doing a bit of web browsing on slime-moulds - so I hope I've got my facts right ).

Regards,
Mike.

[diggleken]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for that info, it pretty much sums up what I've been reading on tinternet too, quite interesting stuff really...................:
No doubt there'll be an international summit at vast expense to thrash it all out though and make sure!
Cheers
Ken

[alge]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

Hi Ken,

Currently, Slime moulds are classified within the Kingdom Protozoa, and are not, therefore, fungi.

I believe the defining factor which differentiates slime moulds from true fungi is the fact that during the plasmodium stage, slime moulds are able to physically move around, in order to find and ingest food. (True fungi absorb their food).

Although they are still commonly referred to as Myxomycetes, ( a relic of when they were thought to be fungi), to be correct, they should be called Myxostelida, (a phylum of the Kingdom Protozoa).

PS: I only know this because I've recently been doing a bit of web browsing on slime-moulds - so I hope I've got my facts right ).

Regards,
Mike.

my goodness thats one to remember next time i'm rough camping run forest run!!!!!!

i guess thats a little si-fi and far fetched for a 14st lump like me to worry about over night, but amazing to think that it can move to find nutrients, i found some earlier (as i called in to the same wood) on the way home but this time on very fresh chippings next to some coppice work, too far for it to be the same one but shows it can feast at many a table.

very interesting thanks
alex